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Pentax smc DA* 50-135mm SDM Issue

Started Dec 21, 2013 | Discussions thread
KentG Veteran Member • Posts: 4,825
Re: Pentax smc DA* 50-135mm SDM Issue

I have used Sigma lenses since my ZX-5n and Minolta Maxxum 9 film days and have yet to have any issues at all on any of them. I had one lens rechipped to cover newer bodies (300/2.8 APO). I even bought a couple of lenses people did not like (Sigma 90/2.8 Macro and Sigma 70-300/4-5.6) and both worked as advertised. Now I have never had a Pentax lens that had an issue either (except an FA 24-90/3.5-4.5 that was thrown in with a camera and I knew it had an issue). BUT I have never quite trusted Pentax's attempt at motor in the lens technology even though they invented it first. It took them too long to get around to SDM. Even Minolta had their SSM before them and this is the company that was last to get a DSLR out (although they invented shake reduction). Sigma has had HSM out of years, mainly because they had to compete with Canon's own lenses. So it is a much more proven system compared to Pentax SDM (or Minolta/Konica/Sony SSM for that matter).

But for me it only enters the equation after I compare the optics most of the time, assuming Pentax has a lens in that focal range. I still own plenty of Pentax lenses, some all the way back to the 60's. But these days, even for my Canon system, I am more inclined to include Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina in the potential buying equation.

Kent Gittings

 KentG's gear list:KentG's gear list
Pentax K-3 II Pentax K-1 Canon EOS 80D Pentax smc DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM +7 more
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